Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Upcycled Plastic Suncatchers

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adults, Families (Ages 6 and up) | Volunteer Event

Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

FREE

Adults and Children, Ages 8 and up | Citizen Science

Help us catch ants, beetles, and mosquitos to help researchers unlock the secrets of their DNA.

Join other citizen scientists to collect Long Island insects for DNA sequencing!

In this event, participants will familiarize themselves with the biodiversity of Jones Beach, with a focus on local ant, beetle, and mosquito groups.

We will be catching insects with bug nets, and then attempting to identify them and label them for a database.

Attendees will be introduced to how DNA barcoding can be used to identify species, and will obtain, document, and preserve specimens for DNA isolation at future events. Collection and identification of these insects helps improve their range maps and can show how species are responding to environmental pressures such as global climate change.

Our Event Coordinator:

Olivia Trinkus - Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center Intern

Olivia Trinkus is a current high school senior interning at Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. She plans to study molecular biology in college and is thinking of pursuing a career in research. She has always had a love for all living things but found her enthusiasm for biology through her AP Biology class in school. She wants to continue expanding her knowledge of science, from molecules to ecosystems, through everything she does. She hopes this experience in DNA barcoding through the Center will be another step towards her goal.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Natural Dye Jars

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

CANCELLED: Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)

SATURDAY 3/23 SCOUT SEE SEALS IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

Open to adults and families. Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plan to arrive by 9:00 am (schedule below). Help survey Jones Beach! NYS DEC and NYS Parks, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, hosts a Marine Debris survey and clean-up biannually. Come learn more about why this survey is so important! The duration depends on conditions but is expected to take 3-4 hours.

In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled to March 22nd.

For this day at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

• Data recording materials

• Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• Lunch or light snack

Schedule:

9:00-9:15: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

9:15-9:30: Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols

9:30-10:00: Walk to beach

10:00: Survey and beach cleanup. Some groups will finish earlier than others. Survey's usually take between 2.5 - 5 hours depending on number of volunteers and the amount of trash present.

---

Presented by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program

If there are questions, please feel free to reach out to francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov or hayden.uresk@parks.ny.gov.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

The art of journaling is a great way to record your scientific observations. Let’s examine the stars, planets, and even our own Sun to see what we can learn about astronomy. Will your own journal go down in history?

Journals provided.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Clay Petal Planters

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Upcycled Bird Houses

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Wood Cut Paintings

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Open to adults and families. Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Plan to arrive at 10am. Advance registration required to waive parking fees for volunteers. We're really excited to work with you to clean our beaches!

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

Schedule:

10:00-10:15am: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

10:15-10:30am: Introduction to staff, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and safety precautions while conducting a beach cleanup.

10:30-1:00: Beach cleanup, although we may wrap up earlier.

If you have any questions, please call us at 516-809-8222.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft

$4 fee per program participant

Many people celebrate the start of a new year in the Northeast by lighting candles. Bring the family to create bayberry-scented candles from soy wax, and we’ll add some of Jones Beach’s homegrown bayberries!

Doors close 10 minutes after program start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adult (12+) | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: T-Shirt Yarn

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

*Please note - This is an RSVP only. All programs require an in-person payment of $4 per person prior to the start of the program. Change is available at the Center. Checks payable to “NYS Parks”.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Creating Vision Boards

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Open to adults and families. Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Plan to arrive at 10am. Advance registration required to waive parking fees for volunteers. We're really excited to work with you to clean our beaches!

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

Schedule:

10:00-10:15am: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

10:15-10:30am: Introduction to staff, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and safety precautions while conducting a beach cleanup.

10:30-1:00: Beach cleanup, although we may wrap up earlier.

If you have any questions, please call us at 516-809-8222.

Free Event Admission (NO RSVP REQUIRED)

Families (All Ages) | Walk

This free event will take place at Field 10 of Jones Beach. Drop in anytime between 10am - 3pm to talk with an educator and go looking for seals swimming along in the bay. This hike is 1.5 miles out-and-back. Our educators will have a scope to help patrons spot any seals. Bring your family and friends!

There will be a raffle for a free Empire Pass during this program. Speak to a staff member to fill out the form and enter!

Wear boots, bring binoculars, and dress in layers, with scarves, hats, and gloves.

We're excited to see you!

—

Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a First Day Hike at one of the many events across the state and nation.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invite New Yorkers to kick off 2024 by participating in one of the many hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across the Empire State.

This event is OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Bayberry Candle Making

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Free Event Admission

Adults & Teens (ages 13+) | Lecture

The winter solstice has been celebrated throughout the world for centuries- learn more about these celebrations with one of our educators! This free lecture event will explore cultural practices, traditions, and mythology associated with the winter solstice and the “return of the light”.

This is a free lecture.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Adults and Teens | Activity

Join us for a fun seasonal craft! Create your very own custom wreath using our provided foraged materials.

This program takes place INDOORS.

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Wreath Making

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Open to adults and families. Ages 6 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Help beautify our beachfronts by lending a hand on our beach cleanup. We will provide all the materials, and you will join a staff member to the parts of our environment that need the most assistance!

Plan to arrive at 9am. Advance registration required to waive parking fees for volunteers. We're really excited to work with you to clean our beaches!

For this morning at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• A light snack

Schedule:

9:00-9:15am: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

9:15-9:30am: Introduction to staff, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, and safety precautions while conducting a beach cleanup.

9:30-11:30: Beach cleanup, although we may wrap up earlier.

If you have any questions, please call us at 516-809-8222.

Free Event Admission

Families (Ages 5+) | Talk & Activity

As Thanksgiving gets closer, come and discover pre-colonial food culture in New York! Explore farming techniques and what foods were and still are common in an indigenous diet. See different methods of food preparation used by the Haudenosaunee people of New York State and learn some recipes to try out yourself!

This is a free lecture.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Fall Leaf Tote Bag

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Open to adults and families. Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plan to arrive by 8:00 am (schedule below). Help survey Jones Beach! NYS DEC and NYS Parks, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, hosts a Marine Debris survey and clean-up biannually. Come learn more about why this survey is so important! The duration depends on conditions but is expected to take 3-4 hours.

In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled to November 13th.

For this day at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

• Data recording materials

• Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• Lunch or light snack

Schedule:

8:00-8:15: Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

8:15-8:30: Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols

8:30-9:00: Walk to beach

9:00: Survey and beach cleanup. Some groups will finish earlier than others. Survey's usually take between 2.5 - 5 hours depending on number of volunteers and the amount of trash present.

---

Presented by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program

If there are questions, please feel free to reach out to francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov or jbenc@parks.ny.gov.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Crocheting 101

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time.

Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Adult Craft | Activity

$4 fee per program participant

Activity: Pumpkin Jar Lights

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after program start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.